๑ MIS(H)ADRA ๑

Mis(h)adra is a story that aims to spread awareness about epilepsy by vividly depicting the daily life of a young Arab-American epileptic named Isaac. Isaac wants nothing more than to be a functional college student -- but managing his epilepsy is an exhausting battle to survive. He attempts to maintain a balancing act between his seizure triggers and his day-to-day schedule, but finds that nothing -- not even his medication -- seems to work. The doctors won't listen, the schoolwork keeps piling up, his family is in denial about his condition, and his social life falls apart as he feels more and more isolated by his illness. Even with an unexpected new friend by his side, so much is up against him that Isaac is starting to think his epilepsy may be unbeatable. Based on my own experience as an epileptic, Mis(h)adra is a boldly visual depiction of the daily struggles of living with a misunderstood condition in today's hectic and uninformed world.

Mis(h)adra is now available from Simon & Schuster/Gallery 13.You can order the book through Amazon here, or through other outlets here.

“The power of Ata’s work lies in its luminous art … Ata avoids lecturing and instead focuses on illuminating the difficulties of living with a misunderstood illness.”-- Booklist

"Mis(h)adra is unlike any other comic. It has its own danger and its own light. It cut me to my core."-- Laura Knetzger

ياسمين عمر عطا // IASMIN OMAR ATA

“Ata renders the story in a vibrant manga style ... The details of Isaac's illness feel decidedly lived-in … palpably, dramatically realized… compellingly unique… the spotlight shone on an underrepresented demographic is commendable. Big and stylish—of particular interest to those dealing with epilepsy or wanting to know more about the condition.”-- Kirkus Reviews

“Mis(h)adra is like nothing I’ve read before, both in its subject matter and its innovative visuals … Blends a psychedelic color scheme, arresting images, and a manga style for a searingly intimate work … Ata’s is a voice that should be heard.” -- Mahnaz Dar, Library Journal (Editor’s Pick)

“A powerful story about not only physical pain, but also the pain of self-doubt and hopelessness. Mis(h)adra beautifully illustrates the struggle to stand up to that inner hopelessness and come out the other end stronger than ever. Iasmin Omar Ata is a singular voice in modern comics, and their work is not to be overlooked.”-- Kris Mukai

“Mis(h)adra is magical. A stunning, original debut for Ata.”— Sam Humphries

“The bravery and crushing sincerity of Iasmin's storytelling is only topped by their lyrical and stylistic grasp of comics as a medium; every block of color and every line clearly transcribe moments of fear, desperation and hope. A truly beautifully crafted and genuine experience we are lucky to be able to read.”-- Sloane Leong

questions? comments? want to contact me for work? hit me up at iasminomarata@gmail.com